Effects of short-term energy restriction and physical training on haemostatic risk factors for coronary heart disease in obese children and adolescents

OBJECTIVE: To study the changes of haemostatic risk factors for coronary he art disease during a weight reduction programme in obese children and adole scents. DESIGN: A short-term longitudinal study. SUBJECTS: Thirty-seven obese white girls (age, 12 +/- 1.8 y; body mass inde x (BMI), 26.9 +/- 5.25) and 19 obese white boys (age, 11.9 +/- 1.7 y; BMI, 26.2 +/- 5.2). MEASUREMENTS: Fibrinogen, factor VII coagulant activity, von Willebrand fac tor antigen, and soluble P-selectin were determined before and after a 3 we ek programme including energy restriction and physical activities. RESULTS: All determined haemostatic risk factors decreased significantly du ring the programme. Changes in risk factors were correlated to changes in b ody composition. Children and adolescents with the highest initial concentr ations showed the greatest decreases. CONCLUSION: Energy restriction combined with physical activity improves the haemostatic risk profile in obese children and adolescents.